Paddy’s Day parades are off!

Temple Bar is going to be a lot quieter this St Patrick’s Day following the Government’s announcement not to proceed with the city’s main parade.

In addition, all seven parades in Fingal – Swords, Balbriggan, Blanchardstown, Malahide, Skerries, Lusk and Rush – have just been cancelled following a detailed risk assessment of the threat posed by COVID-19.

In a statement, the Government said: “Due to the unique nature and scale of the St Patrick’s Day festivities, in terms of size, the mass gathering of local and international travellers, and the continued progression of community transmission in some European countries, along with the emergence of a small number of cases of local transmission in Ireland, the Government has decided that St Patrick’s Day parades, including the Dublin parade, will not proceed.

“This is based on the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team. The situation in relation to other events and mass gatherings remains under review and any response will be guided by the NPHET which meets again tomorrow, along with the public health advice.”